ExpressTruckTax Blog

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Sound the alarm, your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) Form 2290 is due this month! That means time is officially running out and you need to file by the August 31st deadline in order to avoid getting faced with major penalties.

However, you don’t have to panic, ExpressTruckTax, your number 1 Form 2290 e-file provider is here to help with a few tips for you to remember when you quickly and easily file.

2290 Filing Tips

1. Slow down and enter all of your information correctly to avoid having your form rejected over a simple typo. VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) for example, consist of 17 characters with both letters and numbers, so they can be easy to mix up. Plus, the font is usually pretty small and hard to read, so bust out your glasses if you need to.

The letters I, O, and Q are not found in VINs to prevent confusion. So an I is a 1 and an O is a 0. Also, there are no spaces in your VIN. If you need to correct your VIN don’t worry, ExpressTruckTax lets you quickly and easily make VIN corrections for free.

2. Go ahead and get your EIN (Employer Identification Number) now if you need one. If you don’t have one then you need to apply for one with the IRS online. Once you apply you’ll receive your new EIN number instantly, but that doesn’t mean you can use it yet. It takes about 15 days for your EIN to become updated in the IRS’s system and forms can get rejected during that time.

The clock is already ticking, soon you won’t be able to wait 15 days before the deadline for your EIN to become updated. The deadline will be here before you know it, so again, if you need an EIN, handle it today.

3. Double check your information. You will be presented with a summary of your information with ExpressTruckTax before transmitting your return to the IRS, just so that you can reread over all of your details and make sure that everything is correct.

If you enter your name incorrectly then your stamped Schedule 1 will have the wrong name and then the DMV won’t accept it as proof of payment. Then you will have to file and pay for your HVUT all over again to get a new stamped Schedule 1.

4. Remember, you are required to include your suspended vehicles on your 2290 Form. A suspended vehicle is a vehicle that is expected to be used for less than 5,000 miles (7,500 for agricultural vehicles) on public highways during the tax period. Suspended or credit vehicles also include vehicles that were lost, stolen, or destroyed.

Including these vehicles may work to your advantage because in some cases you can receive tax credits or a refund for them. If ExpressTruckTax sees that the amount of credit you have is greater than the amount of HVUT you owe then we will automatically generate Form 8849, the Claim for Refund of Excise Taxes Form for you, so you can get your money back from the IRS faster.

5. Instantly file online with ExpressTruckTax! It’s easy, follow the step-by-step e-filing guide to have your stamped Schedule 1 sent to you via email within about 15 minutes. You don’t even need a computer to file. With the ExpressTruckTax app on your smartphone or tablet to file at any time, from any location.

Or call TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 to have a 2290 expert file over the phone for you. All you have to do is sit back and answer a few questions to instantly handle your 2290 needs. Plus, you’ll instantly get a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Contact ExpressTruckTax

Taxes can be confusing, but it’s our mission to make them easy. Contact the dedicated ExpressTruckTeam if you need any assistance. We are available Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST at 704.234.6005. We’re also available via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Friday, July 28, 2017

One thing that we can all agree on is that we want the roads to become a safer place with fewer accidents, so more hard working drivers can make it home to their families. That’s what CSVA (The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) is doing, by setting up annual safety checks to make sure drivers are operating safely and comply with the laws.

CSVA’s next safety check will take place during the week of October 15th - 21st, for Operation Safe Driver Week.

Operation Safe Driver Week

As a part of CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week law enforcement agencies from all across the nation will take part in increased traffic safety enforcement and make an effort to educate the masses on how to be safer drivers.

During the week if law enforcement personnel identify commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers or their passengers exhibiting unsafe behavior on the road they will issue them warnings or citations.

Examples of what law enforcement personnel will have their eyes out for include:

FMCSA has teamed up with CVSA to sponsor Operation Safe Driver Week, with tons of support from safety transportation organizations in the industry with the goal of improving road safety by addressing drivers operating unsafely on an individual basis.

This safety check was created to decrease the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths involving large passenger vehicles like trucks and buses due to unsafe driving habits and behaviors. Unfortunately, the leading cause of crashes among commercial motor vehicles are due to unsafe drivers, so it’s time for drivers to do their part to make the roads a safer place for all travelers.

What Can You Do To Be a Safer Driver?

You don’t have to wait until October to practice safer driving techniques. You can make a few simple changes to ensure safer passage for yourself and those around you today with a few simple things to remember.

- Get enough sleep! Driving tired is the equivalent to driving drunk. If you need a break, or to stop for a power nap, do it.

- Slow down! Obey the speed limits, they are there for a reason, and that’s to make the roads safer. Plus, driving a little slower will make you more fuel efficient.

- Not to sound like a Mom here, but wear your seatbelt all the time and make sure your passengers do too. Those little straps make a major difference when it comes to saving lives.

- Put down all electronic devices while you’re driving. When you use them you actually take your eyes off the road, which is very dangerous. If you get bored on the road try finding an entertaining trucking podcast or radio station to listen to before you start driving.

- Give other vehicles enough space on the road. If they come to a sudden stop, you will want to be able to stop in time too.

Contact ExpressTruckTax

Don’t forget to file your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 by the August 31st deadline to comply with the law. ExpressTruckTax can help you get your stamped Schedule 1 today! If you have any questions contact the dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team at 704.234.6005. We also offer live chat and 24 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com. Also, stay safe out there y’all and thank you for all your hard work.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Every minute the August 31 deadline for your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 creeps a little closer. It’s already the last week of July, and the deadline will be here before you know it, so be prepared to file. Also, be sure to keep in mind that not only do you need to file by the deadline, but you need to pay the amount of HVUT you owe by the deadline as well, and you have a few different payment options.

How to Pay Your HVUT?

While filing your 2290 with ExpressTruckTax you’ll follow a step-by-step guide to complete your form in a matter of minutes. Once you get to the IRS payment step you can choose between 3 different payment options based on the most convenient method for you.

1. Direct Debit or Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), is the payment option where you provide your banking information (account and routing number) through ExpressTruckTax’s safe and secure system to authorize the IRS to debit the amount you owe from your bank account. It is important that your account has enough funds to cover the amount you owe.

The amount is generally withdrawn in 24 to 48 hours after providing authorization. Keep in mind that this involves your banking information, not your card number. The IRS will not accept credit cards.

If you need to cancel your payment contact IRS payment services at 1.888.353.4537 at least 2 days before the payment date.

2. EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) is the electronic tax payment system used by the IRS. If you choose this payment option you will be taken to the EFTPS site, and you’ll create a free account.

In order to pay the IRS through EFTPS, you will provide your bank account information and verify that the IRS is allowed to withdraw your tax payment from that account. In order to make your payment by the deadline, you must schedule it before 8 p.m. the day before the deadline for it to be received by the IRS in time.

3. You can also pay the amount of HVUT you owe with a Check or Money Order. If you choose this option you will need to print your completed payment voucher, 2290-V, from page 5 of your completed 2290 Form and mail to the IRS.

Make your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury. Also, you will need to include your name, address, EIN, the date, and the words “IRS Form 2290” with your payment. Do not staple your payment and voucher together.

Remember, never send cash through the mail.

Send your payment and voucher 2290-V to:

Internal Revenue Service,
P.O. Box 804525,
Cincinnati,
OH 45280-4525.

Important: If you have already paid your HVUT via Direct Debit or EFW and received a letter from the IRS saying they were unable to debit the funds there are a few likely causes:

- Your account and routing number were entered into ExpressTruckTax incorrectly. Even entering one character incorrectly will prevent the IRS from being able to withdraw the amount you owe.

- The IRS tried to debit your account, but you had insufficient funds. If you are even as little as 50 cents short then the IRS will not debit the funds.

If you receive a letter from the IRS saying they could not withdraw the funds from the bank account provided then you will need to send a check or money order to the IRS in order to pay the amount you owe by the August 31st deadline.

We’re Here To Help

If you need any assistance or have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the outstanding ExpressTruckTax support team. We’re available Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST at 704.234.6005. You can also reach us via live chat and through our 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

AMX, Alabama Motor Express, has kindly shared facts about how to share the road with semis in order to make the roads a safer place with ExpressTruckTax. Be sure to pass this important safety information along!

We’ve all been on a highway waiting on a semi to pass in the left lane thinking, “Why is this taking so long??”

- Their blind spot is bigger
- They need more space to maneuver
- They require more time and distance to stop
- It takes more time to pass them

NEVER ride alongside them. First, they have a large blind spot on their sides. Second, semis are notorious for blowing tires. At worst, a blown tire can knock you off the road. At the very least, the sound (as loud as a gunshot) can scare you, maybe even enough to make you lose control of your vehicle. Third, semis have a lot of surface area. Getting blown around by the wind is a real risk that can result in drifting into your lane.

Always pass them on the left side. If they’re in the left lane, it’s for a reason. Either they’re passing a slower car, an emergency vehicle is on the right side or there is road work requiring left lane travel.

When passing them, try and give them a decent amount of space before you get back in the right lane. A good rule of thumb is to wait until you can see the pavement in front of the bumper. They need to leave a wide berth in order to have enough time to brake if something were to happen. And, you do NOT want to be in front of an eighteen wheeler when he/she doesn't have enough space to brake.

If you see a truck's turn signal, do your best to get out of the way by either speeding up or slowing down to let him/her pass. Of course, we are all trying to get off the road as fast as possible, but being on the road is their livelihood. And, usually, if you are polite to them, they'll be polite to you.

Truck drivers spend a ton of time on the road with four-wheelers. And, accidents between a car and a tractor trailer can be fatal. According to statistics from Women In Trucking, 79% of all accidents involving semi-trucks are caused by car drivers.

Avoiding an accident with an eighteen wheeler is always a good idea. Let's share the road in a way that gets us all there safely.

To learn about how SmartDrive cameras can alert safety teams to drowsy drivers, proximity violations and unsafe following, check out our blog on /smartdrive-camera-implementation!

If you need any assistance contact the dedicated ExpressTruckTax team Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST at 704.234.6005. We also offer live chat and 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Friday, July 21, 2017

We’re sure that you’re aware that summer is here in full force. While summer comes with a lot of swimming, fun, and maybe even a vacation, it also comes with hard work. We know you’re putting in a lot of hours on the road, maybe even in areas with record-breaking high temperatures. When you’re in the heat you face risks such as sunburn, skin cancer, overheating, and even heat strokes can occur. So, be sure to stay safe out there this summer and spend a moment here today to learn how to beat the heat!

Beating the Heat

The sun can be your friend, but also your enemy, so protect your skin from its warming yet harmful UV rays. This is achieved by applying sunscreen a few times a day. The sun shines through your truck windows and can even give you one heck of a truckers tan, so remember to apply your sunscreen during breaks or stops.

It’s also good to wear protective clothing to shield your skin from the sun. Long sleeves and hats go a long way towards preventing sun damage. Just keep a long sleeve shirt around in your cab to throw on while you’re driving, you don’t have to wear it all the time or during stops. Remember to protect your eyes as well with a pair of polarized sunglasses. Otherwise once the light and heat reflecting off of the road your sight could be comprised.

You need to hydrate properly with water. Soda will need to take a backseat so you don’t overheat. Water is much more effective at hydrating your body than soda and can help keep you cool and prevent the blinding headaches that come with heat exhaustion.

Be sure to keeps things cool. Idle your truck while resting to be able to get enough sleep and place battery operated fans in your rig to keep the temperature down. To cool down after being outside of your truck for a while place a cold rag on the back of your neck or place a bag of ice or a cold bottle between your wrists. Trust us, you’ll be instantly relieved from the heat. You can also peel off a few layers and relax for a little while.

The Signs of Heat Stroke

If you’re too hot to the point of being at risk for a heat stroke you’ll be able to quickly notice the signs. Generally, heat stroke symptoms include throbbing headaches, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, seizures, fainting, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, weakness, lack of sweating even in the heat, and dry or red skin.

With heat sickness, you can still have headaches, nausea, cramps, and more, but you’ll probably still be sweating. Once you stop sweating then the serious threat of having a heat stroke is on.

Once you start noticing any symptoms of a heat-related illness then it’s time to take a step back. Get out of the heat or at least rest in the shade if you can and start hydrating. Warmer water that’s closer to room temperature can be easier to drink if you’re nauseous.

Take off any tight fitting clothes or unnecessary layers and lay down with a cold compress. Make sure your legs are elevated so more blood flows to your heart. Also, never hesitate to contact help because if you faint or have a seizure, then you won’t be able to.

Safely Have A Great Summer

While summer is hot and we like it, UV rays and high temperatures can do a number on our bodies! So remember while you’re either hauling loads or enjoying a well-deserved vacation to protect yourself from the elements!

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your tips on how to stay cool in the comment section below.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Unfortunately, taxes can’t be avoided. No matter how fast you run or how hard you fight tax deadlines still slowly creep towards you. The only way to make it out unscathed is to file your return and pay the amount owed to the IRS by the deadline.

Luckily for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) deadline that’s coming for you on August 31st, ExpressTruckTax provides a quick and convenient e-filing method, so you can file your 2290 hassle free and instantly get your stamped Schedule 1. Check out why ExpressTruckTax is the market leader in the 2290 e-filing industry.

The Benefits Of E-Filing With ExpressTruckTax

ExpressTruckTax saves you time. Instead of having to go wait in a long line at an IRS office, you can quickly e-file online with ExpressTruckTax. Plus, the e-filing process is incredibly easy. All you have to do is follow the step-by step guide to complete your form in just a few minutes and transmit it directly to the IRS.

Also, if you filed with us previously then you can copy your information from a previously accepted return to your current one. This way you don’t have to spend time re-entering your information.

With the bulk upload feature, you can quickly upload all of the information for your vehicles at once, helping those with multiple vehicles save time because they won’t have to enter their trucks in one by one. Use the ExpressTruckTax excel template or your own file to upload all of your vehicles at the same time.

You don’t even need a computer to file. Download the ExpressTruckTax App to file from any location at any time. As long as you have any web based device like a smartphone or tablet, which we’re sure you have since it’s 2017, then you can file from any location. If you’re out on a trip? No problem, handle all of your 2290 needs with the mobile app.

The ExpressTruckTax system is full of helpful hints and tips along the way. If you aren’t sure if you have a suspended vehicle or not, then you can read about what qualifies as a suspended vehicle while filing. By the way, a suspended vehicle is any taxable vehicle that is expected to be used for less than 5,000 miles (7,500 miles for agricultural vehicles) during the tax period.

ExpressTruckTax will get you your 2290 Schedule 1. As soon as the IRS stamps it, you’ll receive a copy via email. However, you can also elect to have your stamped Schedule 1 texted, faxed, or mailed to any location, making it super easy to send it to your carrier.

Your relationship with ExpressTruckTax doesn’t end once you get your stamped Schedule 1 because you can return to your account to access your copy at any time. You can also come back to easily make 2290 amendments and we offer free VIN corrections.

If you want an even easier way to file then contact TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 because their outstanding team will file your 2290 for you over the phone. The process is as easy as a 10-minute phone call and as a result, you’ll receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Contact ExpressTruckTax

If you need any assistance, simply call the dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team Monday- Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST at 704.234.6005. These US-based representatives are HVUT experts and will take the time to answer all of your questions and will even walk you through the entire filing process. We also offer live chat, so you can instant message support representative while filing, and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Friday, July 14, 2017

We know that you’ve been working hard this summer, putting miles on the pavement, but if you find yourself passing through Iowa then it’s time to take a break at the Iowa 80 Truckstop for the 38th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree. It’s gonna be a honking good time Y'all. You deserve a break to celebrate what you do for the economy by delivering essential goods all across the nation. Plus, tons of fellow members of the trucking industry and their families will be there as well!

Truckers Jamboree

The Truckers Jamboree is taking place from July 13th-July 15th this year and it’s hosted at the Iowa 80 Truckstop off of I-80 exit 284 in Walcott Iowa. This event started in 1979 in order to celebrate America’s truckers and is still going strong as a great place to be if you want to celebrate and learn about trucking.

While the event is a good time and an educational experience, at the end of the day it’s a way to thank truckers for all that they do. Heck, everything important to you from your first cup of coffee in the morning to your comfortable bedding at the end of the day was most likely on a truck at one point.

If you can’t make the event you should still put the Iowa 80 Truckstop on your list of places to go, because it is the largest truck stop in the world. It’s pretty much a trucker’s heaven filled with every service you could ask for, some of which, like the dogomat are open for 24 hours a day! You can get your pet groomed, get a haircut, go to the dentist, watch a movie, and more all at the same truck stop!

However, If you can make it to the jamboree then bring your sunscreen and prepare for one large action packed outdoor event. The event is so big that you’re allowed to bring your own golf cart to ride around the premises! Switching from a big rig to a golf cart almost sounds like a vacation of its own.

What exactly can you look forward to at this event? First of all, FREE admission and FREE parking, so why not check it out? Then there are a ton of events to check out, like an antique truck display, the super trucks beauty contest, trucker Olympics, and the Iowa pork chop cookout. Yeah, a pork chop cookout, so take a break from your trucking diet and enjoy.

There will also be tons exhibitors for you to visit and learn about what they do for the industry. You can relax in the evening with free country music concerts performed by Mary Sarah and Collin Raye. For the kids, there are carnival games and fireworks. There’s something for the whole family!

After the Jamboree and you get back to trucking remember that the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax deadline is approaching on August 31st so don’t forget to file your 2290 with your industry leader, ExpressTruckTax. All you have to do is spend about 10 minutes following the simple e-filing guide to transmit your form directly to the IRS and you’ll receive your stamped Schedule 1 via email within about 15 minutes.

Contact ExpressTruckTax

Our dedicated support team is standing by to help. If you need any assistance simply dial 704.234.6005 Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST. We’re also available via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

With the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 deadline on August 31st quickly approaching we’re here to help with tips about the filing process, and where you can find some savings. We don’t want you to pay more than you have to. Plus, we want you to get the highest amount of credits that you can to claim a refund!

That’s why we’re discussing the different types of 2290 vehicles today. Some are subject to lower tax rates, will give you credits, and are even exempt from the HVUT all together!

2290 Vehicles

It’s important to be aware that all of your qualifying highway motor vehicles with a taxable gross weight of over 55,000 pounds or more must be reported on your Form 2290. The weight includes the vehicle’s chassis or the chassis and body, but not the load.

Qualifying vehicles include any self-propelled vehicles that are designed to carry loads on public highways, regardless if they’re designed to perform other functions or not. A few examples of other functions include being designed to carry special good or supplies, to carry passengers, or to carry permanently mounted equipment.

Logging Vehicle

This one is pretty simple. A logging vehicle is one that is exclusively used for the transportation of products like timber (logs) harvested from forested sites, or it exclusively transports products harvested from the site to and from locations within the forested site.

It’s important to list your vehicle as a logging one if it qualifies because logging vehicles are subject to lower tax rates than other heavy vehicles. Just keep in mind that your vehicle must be registered as a vehicle exclusively used for logging accordingly to the applicable vehicle registration laws in your state.

Agricultural Vehicles

Agricultural vehicles are any highway motor vehicles that are used or expected to be used primarily for farming purposes. They must be registered under state laws are a highway motor vehicle used for farming purposes during the entire tax period.

A qualifying agricultural vehicle is one that is used for farming purposes for over half of the vehicle's use, based on mileage, during the tax period. These vehicles also require special tags or license plates to identify them as agricultural vehicles and are considered to be different from logging vehicles.

Agricultural vehicles count as suspended or credit vehicles if they’re used for fewer than 7,500 miles during the tax period.

Suspended Vehicles

A suspended or credit vehicle is a highway motor vehicle that is expected to travel less than 5,000 miles or less (7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles) during the tax period. This mileage limit applies to the total amount of miles it’s driven on the road, regardless of the number of owners.

Other suspended or credit vehicles include those that were sold, destroyed, or stolen and they must all be reported on your 2290. If they exceed the mileage limit during the tax period then you’ll owe HVUT for them.

While e-filing Form 2290 if ExpressTruckTax sees that your credit amount exceeds the amount of HVUT you owe then we will auto generate Form 8849 for you, so you can claim a refund or credit on the amount you paid to the IRS for these vehicles.

Exempt Vehicles

Vehicles that are exempt from the HVUT don’t need to be filed for, regardless of how many miles they travel. They’re 100% exempt from the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax! A few HVUT exempt vehicles include qualified blood collector vehicles, mobile machinery used for non-transportation purposes, heavy vehicles used by the federal government, and more.

E-File Now

Now that you know where you can save based on what type of vehicles you have head to ExpressTruckTax.com to quickly e-file your Form 2290 and get your stamped Schedule 1 via email instantly. You can also call TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 to have a representative file for you over the phone.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team at 704.234.6005 Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST. We’re also available via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

Friday, July 7, 2017

There are many things that can set people apart based on their preferences, such as if they’re a dog or cat person, if they like Coke or Pepsi, if the best chicken comes from Bojangles or KFC, and more.

Sometimes differences may start off small, like if you like Chevy and for some reason your buddy prefers Ford. Then things could quickly escalate into the Peterbilt vs Kenworth battle, a rivalry like no other!

Peterbilt and Kenworth, like Macks, are classic examples of all American steel and power that have been around for decades. Peterbilt got its start in 1939 with the goal of providing quality logging trucks that could get the job done and Kenworth was founded in 1912 to build rugged, high performing logging trucks as well.

So, no matter what side you’re on appreciate both trucks with their dedication to the trucking industry in American history, we don’t know where the industry would be without them.

The Peterbilt Vs Kenworth Battle

Peterbilt trucks are seen as high quality, classy trucks. They have been referred to as the Harley Davidsons or Cadillacs of the trucking industry. Some drivers simply can’t get enough of that prideful ‘I worked for this Peterbilt and got it’ feeling with all of its pretty chrome and glory.

Kenworths are often viewed as the more rugged truck. It’s a hard workingman’s truck that also offers a high level of comfort, quality, and advancements at a more economical value. They get the job done with high performing parts under the hood.

For the truckers who need all the bells and whistles then Peterbilt is the better options. Everything about the Peterbilt can be customized to suit your needs. You can design the interior feel like your home away from home.

Peterbilts are often seen as more spacious, more comfortable highway vehicles, but the Kenworth’s AeroCab is extremely comfortable and spacious. Plus, Kenworths are customizable too.

What happens if your Peterbilt is too big though? You need to be able to climb in and out of it easily and reach the clutch. Kenworth is seen as the smaller truck, but it provides more than enough space to comfortably reach the clutch and stretch out.

Are Kenworths the truck of the future? Some people believe so with the innovative technology included in the dash. The Kenworth’s built in navigation systems are better than your smartphone’s. Also, if your truck has a problem you can take it to any dealership in the country to run web-based diagnostic tools from an app to locate the issue and have it quickly repaired.

That doesn’t mean Peterbilt is stuck in the stone ages though. They have advanced safety testing and include a DPA (Driver Performance Assistant) to give you live feedback on how to improve your driving skills. They also have some fuel efficient and hybrid electric engines up their sleeves.

When It Comes To Buying Your Truck

Buying a rig is a huge, expensive commitment. Don’t make your choice based off of the Peterbilt and Kenworth battle. Test out each truck to see which one works best for you and your business. Heck, you could even find out that a Volvo is the best option for you.

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share which truck is your favorite and why in the comment section below.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

What a day to be a trucker! The IRS is now officially processing Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) 2290 returns! That means you can file today and instantly receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email in about 15 minutes.

Why wait to file when ExpressTruckTax makes it extremely easy to file your 2290 return in just a few minutes? The process is simple, check out the e-filing instructions below.

How to File Your 2290 With ExpressTruckTax

Step 1: You begin by creating your free account with expressTruckTax using your email address and personal password. Then in the dashboard, you’ll see the exclusive ExpressTruckTax wallet feature where you can purchase prepaid filing credits at a 10% discount.

Step 2: When you’re ready to file click the orange ‘Start New Return’ button and enter the basic information for your business such as the name, address, and EIN or Employer Identification number. Remember, you need an EIN to file and can apply for one with the IRS online. It will take about two weeks for it to update in the IRS’s system.

Step 3: Then you’ll enter your tax year and your vehicle’s first used month. Form 2290 is filed based on your vehicles first used month and is due the last day of the month after it’s first used month. For example, if you first use your vehicle in April then your Form 2290 is due on May 31st. Then you’ll file annually by the August 31st deadline.

The current tax period runs from July 1st, 2017 until June 30th, 2018, and your schedule 1 for the 2016-2017 season expired on June 30th, 2017.

Step 4: Next you’ll enter information for your vehicle including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and taxable gross weight. You’ll also select if your vehicle was used for any special purposes such as logging or agricultural uses. Remember suspended vehicles must be filed for as well.

Step 5: Relax as we calculate how much you’ll owe the IRS for you, so you’ll know exactly how much to pay. Then select one of the following payment options to pay the IRS: Direct Debit or Electronic Funds Withdrawal, EFTPS, Check or Money Order.

Step 6: You’ll be presented with a summary of your information to make sure all of your information was entered correctly. VINs for example, are the number one Form 2290 mistake. Then our system will perform audit check on your form to catch any basic errors.

Step 7: Once any corrections have been made and you’re ready to transmit your form directly to the IRS enter a 5-digit code of your choice at the bottom of the form to electronically sign and transmit it.

Step 8: Do your happy dance because depending on IRS volume in about 10 to 15 minutes you’ll receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email. You can also elect to receive a copy via text and postal mail.

Other Ways To File

We know you’re busy and on the move a lot, that’s why you can download and use the ExpressTruckTax app to file from any location at any time, right from your smartphone or tablet, no computer necessary. This makes it incredibly easy to file, even when you’re out on a trip.

You can also call TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 to have one of their 2290 experts file over the phone for you! All you have to do is make a simple phone call to have your 2290 taken care of and to receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Contact ExpressTruckTax

We’re here to help! Contact us with any questions that you may have. We’re available over the phone at 704.234.6005 Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST. We can also be reached via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.